Barbie Ferreira Is Entering Her Indie Era
The actor talks post-’Euphoria’ freedom, indie cinema and her latest project ‘MILE END KICKS.’
Growing up on the internet, hanging out in malls and cycling through one too many blazers, Barbie Ferreira has an instinctive grasp on the chaos and charm of the 2010s. In her latest role, the actor is leaning all the way in, rewinding to 2011 and tapping into a strain of nostalgia she knows intimately.
Following her departure from Euphoria, Ferreira is carving out a new lane in indie cinema, gravitating toward the kind of layered, offbeat characters she’s long been drawn to. Her newest project, MILE END KICKS, drops us into Montreal’s 2011 indie music scene, tracking a young woman as she navigates identity, ambition and messy relationships. Ferreira plays a sharp-tongued music critic who becomes entangled with members of a band in a rom-com that echoes the spirit of a classic coming-of-age story.
Now focusing on script-driven, independent projects, Ferreira is honing her craft and expanding her range on her own terms. Starring alongside Devon Bostick, Stanley Simon, Juliette Gariépy and Jay Baruchel, MILE END KICKS is out now.
We caught up with Ferreira to talk about her latest role, staying grounded and what she was really doing back in 2011. Read on for the full interview.
You’re starring in a new film, MILE END KICKS. Can you tell us a bit about the project? What was the filming process like?
This project was a super special one. I spent a couple of months in Montreal in the summer with a cast of incredible actors and such a fun crew. We really brought the essence of indie movies like Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist and rom-coms like Bridget Jones Diary. There were so many days of us running around Montreal, and even a day we spent on a megabus filming.
For those who are most familiar with your work from Euphoria, how has this project allowed you to reintroduce yourself?
I’ve been really focusing on producing and working on independent films like Bob Trevino Likes It and Mile End Kicks, as well as expanding as an actress and working with filmmakers like Daniel Goldhaber on Faces of Death. I feel that as I grow as an actress, I seek out different kinds of characters. To me, it’s all about the script!
The film is set in 2011. What memories do you have of this era?
I was a 15-year-old mess! I was a sophomore in high school and trying my best to find myself. I even had a phase of wearing blazers every day for weeks. I was hanging out in Jersey by the mall and watching movies with my friends. An incredibly awkward but sweet time.
How did this project differ from other work you’ve done?
MILE END KICKS was a slightly bigger budget film. I’ve been really moved by scripts written from the heart, and both these projects reflect an honesty that I enjoyed. I would say I got to work a little on an accent, too. I had to get the New York out of my voice.
Were there any particularly difficult scenes to film? How did you navigate this?
We had an ambitious shooting schedule, as most independent films do, so it was definitely a marathon, not a sprint. We shot everything on location as opposed to sound stages, so working around locations was particularly challenging for the crew. But we figured it out! That’s the beauty of filmmakers putting their heads together and solving problems.
As someone in the public eye, how do you stay grounded and drown out the noise?
I love to play board games and hang out with my loved ones. I also love to cook for people. I’m constantly in a full house making snacks for people.
You’ve already worked with stars like Zendaya and Jacob Elordi. Who’s someone you’d love to star alongside that you haven’t already?
I have so many icons. Isabella Rossellini, Cate Blanchett… so many amazing actors I admire.
What’s something that people wouldn’t expect about you?
I guess it’s not surprising to me or those who know me, but to a lot of people, it could be kind of crazy how much of a homebody I am. I stay in with my animals playing Pokopia 80% of the time.
What’s next for you?
Just you wait…
